“Fixing” Hollywood, One Script at a Time

(ARA) - For several years now, attendance has been in decline at movie theaters all over the country. While ticket prices are up, overall receipts are down. A recent Zogby survey found that 45 percent of American moviegoers had decreased their attendance over the last five years, with the highest percentage of that decrease in the 18- to 24-year-old demographic; at the same time, 21 percent of respondents said they never went to the movies. One of the main reasons for this trend was film quality.

What can Americans do to bring back the “golden age” of Hollywood, when films were designed to appeal to the whole family, and were based on inspiring and uplifting stories? According to industry insiders, the answer is not to stay at home and save your money, but to get involved in the process. Good films begin with good stories, and they are found in the hearts and minds of everyday people all over the country.

People like R. Wyatt Scott, Daniel S. Elliott and Stan Himes, who recently won a script contest and split the $50,000 award given for writing “spiritually uplifting screenplays.” The contest is sponsored by the John Templeton Foundation and presented by “Movieguide: A Family Guide to Movies and Entertainment.”

From Jacksonville, Fla., Rochester, Minn., and West Des Moines, Iowa, and with careers ranging from surgeon to ad copywriter, these winners represent the outcry for films that entertain and uplift that whole families can enjoy together.

Just how quickly, can winning a script contest effect real change? Try less than a year. Two of last year’s contest winners, David Anthony and Heather Hughes, have had offers made on their scripts from major film companies. Anthony was hired by the production company PureFlix, to direct his film. PureFlix is new film company based in Hollywood whose goal is to create more of these types of films, and having a choice of scripts helps make this possible.

So, the message to Americans who want to see more films is do your part. If you have a great idea for a movie, or know someone who does, send it in. Information on the script contest can be found at www.kairosprize.com. Entries from first-time screenwriters are sought to keep the ideas fresh and creative.

Secondly, check out new companies like PureFlix, that may not get wide support as they often have to distribute their films independently. And when you know of a film releasing soon that you want to see in your local theater, call your theater managers and tell them about it. If enough public support for a film is generated, they will be more likely to bring it to their theater.

Some of these new films to look out for include Scott’s “Cheers & Laughter,” a drama focusing on a professional athlete whose career is cut short by injury.

Himes’ “Sarah’s Gift” is a comedy -- a genre that seems an unlikely winner for a spiritual competition. However, Himes captures the struggle of a teen trying to fit in, in a light and humorous way, as the only non-musical member of her family.

Elliott’s “By Might & Power” is an adventure story chronicling Captain Robert Scott’s ill-fated 1911 expedition to the South Pole. While not inherently spiritual, the script deals with the issues of purpose and meaning in life as Captain Scott comes to realize the true legacy he must leave for his son.

While none of these winners plans to “quit his day job,” they are open to what the future might hold. As part of winning the competition, their scripts are being reviewed by top Hollywood producers and studio executives, and any one of these films could be made into a real Hollywood blockbuster.

More information is available at www.kairosprize.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent